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Posted on Sat, Feb 4, 2012 : 10:05 a.m.

Ex-Michigan receiver Mario Manningham develops into dependable member of Giants' passing game

By AnnArbor.com Freelance Journalist

Former Michigan wide receiver Mario Manningham talks about the Super Bowl on Wednesday. Manningham and the New York Giants face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday.

Associated Press

By Brian PelozaFor AnnArbor.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Mario Manningham is starting to win critics over.

The former University of Michigan standout wide receiver has scored a touchdown in all three of New York’s postseason games. This despite having just 39 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season.

Manningham’s postseason production is a big reason the Giants will meet New England in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday in Indianapolis (6:30 p.m., NBC).

“I think he has come a long way,” said NFL analyst and former wide receiver Cris Collinsworth. “I’ve been critical of him in the past where I thought he ran routes to close to the sideline, but I’ve watched how they’ve developed him. He is so much more sophisticated as a receiver now than he was two years ago. I take my hat off to him.”

“The thing I like about Mario is that he answered the bell in a huge moment,” Collinsworth said. “That says a lot about the character of that young man to make that play in that situation, and a tough catch over the middle, too.”

New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham has three touchdown catches in the postseason.

Associated Press

Manningham was coming off his best season in 2010, compiling 944 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He was reaching his potential after leaving Michigan after his junior season in 2007 when he had 72 receptions for 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Wolverines.

He missed four games this season, which is part of the reason for his decreased production. But he’s not complaining with a chance to play in the NFL’s biggest game.

“It’s been a nice journey,” Manningham said. “I’m at my first Super Bowl, obviously. Just trying to go make plays, enjoying everything, knowing it’s a job, knowing it’s a business, trying to make fun out of it for as long as I can.”

The emergence of Victor Cruz as a slot receiver, coupled with the continual improvement of Hakeem Nicks, has led to a more balanced passing game.

Cruz has 1,536 receiving yards this season, while Nicks has 1,192 yards. Manningham is fine with those two receivers getting much of the attention — from media and opponents.

“I’m comfortable in my role,” Manningham said. “I can’t complain. I like going out there and going under the radar. It’s kind of like I can go out there and make a play at any time because they’re paying attention to Hakeem (Nicks) and Victor (Cruz). I like being under the radar.”

“That guy, he’s a starter if he goes anywhere else in this league,” Cruz said. “For him to humble himself and allow me to come up, and to not really have any problem says a lot. He’s battled his way through some things injury wise as well.”

Manningham said his three postseason touchdowns are simply a matter of making a play when called upon. He’s the first player in New York history to score a touchdown in three consecutive postseason games.

“Run your route to get open,” Manningham said. “For the receiving corps, that’s our mentality. After you catch the ball, go make the play. I just play my role. That’s all. I play my role and show up when I need to show up. That’s all.”

Win or lose, Manningham will have plenty to think about after the game, such as if it was his last with New York. He’s in the final year of his contract.

“I’ll worry about that on Monday,” Manningham said. “I want to enjoy our team and enjoy this. If we go out and win, I want to enjoy this with our team.”

Manningham has also gained attention from comments showing his desire to be lined up against New England’s Julian Edelman, a converted offensive player. Manningham stood by his comments, by noting Edelman wasn’t drafted as a defensive back.

“I am not really worried about what Mario Manningham is saying right now,” Edelman responded. “I am more focused on doing my job, and that is preparing right now. We will see if that opportunity comes ahead of us in the game.”

Comments

ted

Sat, Feb 4, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.

Wow, could you imagine how good this guy would be if Urban Meyer had coached him in his offense ?

RudeJude

Mon, Feb 6, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.

Yes, because Aaron Hernandez, one of Urban's boys, doesn't drop easy, into-your-hands catches in the crucial, final moments of the Superbowl...oh, oops. Maybe he didn't want to catch Tom Brady's pass because he's a Michigan guy? He must have brought in Wes Welker on it, too. The rule is, if the ball touches your hands, you catch it. I guess they don't teach being clutch at Florida. Glad, for Mario Manningham's sake, they teach it at Michigan! As commentator Cris Collinsworth said of Manningham's catch, &quot;You'll be hearing about this for the next 50 years."
Which one of Urban Meyer-taught Aaron Hernandez's Superbowl receptions are they going to be talking about in 50 years?

Scott

Sat, Feb 4, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.

It's great to see the old Michigan players in the super bowl. Brady is the quintessential Michigan man- good guy on and off the field. But I hope Manningham does well.